FEATHERS have been ruffled after several sightings of rare visitors in the West Midlands.

Bird charity RSPB has been inundated by calls from residents who have spotted unusual species such as waxwings from Russia and bullfinches from Scandinavia.

Experts say the colourful birds have migrated to the West Midlands due to the cold snap. Reed buntings, redpolls, yellowhammers, grey wagtails, redwings and fieldfares are other unusual garden visitors not usually around.

Louise Pedersen, from the RSPB’s Birmingham office said: “Feeding our garden birds can really help them at this time of year and you never know what you’re going to see.”